For outgoing individuals looking to enter the workforce or advance their careers quickly, an accelerated online degree in HR will put you on the fast track to success. These programs prepare you for various rewarding careers, like HR specialists, with a median salary of $67,650, or training and development specialists, earning a median salary of $64,340. For those pursuing a master’s degree, leadership opportunities like HR managers become available, with a median salary of $136,350.
Accelerated bachelor’s programs can be completed in about three years, while master’s programs take approximately 18 months to two years, allowing you to achieve your goals quickly and efficiently.
How to Choose a Fast Online HR Program
Choose your area of study
When selecting an area of study for your HR degree, consider specializations like recruitment, ideal for individuals who enjoy identifying and hiring top talent, or training and development, suitable for those enthusiastic about improving employee skills. Other options include compensation and benefits, perfect for detail-oriented individuals, or employee relations, which focuses on maintaining a positive workplace environment.
While not all programs have these exact specializations, many will be able to provide ample coursework to support your interests. Be sure to choose one that aligns with your career goals to ensure the best fit.
Research schools and programs
Now that you’ve decided on a specialization, you can begin researching the schools and programs that will propel you to the next level in your academic journey. Consider using the following questions to guide your research:
- Is the curriculum relevant to my career goals?
- What are the qualifications and experience of the faculty?
- Is the program accredited?
- What student support services are available for online learners?
- Is the coursework available entirely online, or are there in-person components?
You can find this information on school websites, by speaking with an admissions counselor, or by attending a virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
With your shortlist of programs, it’s time to focus on test and application prep. Gather essential materials like transcripts and letters of recommendation early to avoid delays, and start your personal statement well ahead of time to allow enough time for revisions. Double-check standardized test requirements and consider enrolling in a prep program to boost your SAT, ACT, or GRE scores. By simply beginning early, you’ll have a smoother application process.
Select your program
Once acceptance letters arrive, revisit your initial research criteria, focusing on what matters most to you – like curriculum relevance, faculty you’re excited to learn from, or support services for online learners. Carefully reassess the total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and any other expenses, while considering any financial aid offers. When making your final decision, prioritize programs that best align with your career goals and financial situation to make the best choice.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Paying for your degree can feel daunting, but many financial aid resources are available to help. Start by submitting the FAFSA to access federal aid opportunities for undergraduates and graduates. Apply for scholarships, both institutional and external, and consider assistantships or work-study programs for additional financial support.
However, financial gaps may persist even with all of these funding opportunities. In these situations, prioritize federal loans over private loans due to their typically better terms.
Best 50 Accredited Fast Online HR Degree Programs
How we rank schools
This list features some of the country’s fastest online HR degree programs. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of the fastest online HR degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From a Fast Online HR Degree Program?
By enrolling in an accelerated online HR degree program, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of human resource management, focusing on recruitment, employee relations, performance management, and legal compliance. As a student, you’ll learn to develop strategic HR initiatives, manage talent, and create inclusive workplace cultures.
For those pursuing a master’s in HR, the program builds on foundational skills with topics like organizational development, strategic leadership, and HR analytics. Graduate students often can choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing them to conduct original research or focus on professional practice through additional coursework and applied projects.
Potential courses you’ll take in a fast online HR program
- Introduction to Human Resource Management: A fundamental component in bachelor’s programs, this course covers the basics of HR, including recruitment, selection, training, and development. Students learn about employee relations, performance management, and compliance with labor laws.
- Organizational Behavior: Typically an undergraduate course, this class examines motivation, team dynamics, leadership, and organizational culture. Understanding these concepts helps future HR professionals improve workplace productivity and employee satisfaction.
- HR Analytics and Metrics: In this graduate-level course, participants gain skills in analyzing HR data to make educated decisions. They learn about key metrics, data collection methods, and analytical tools. The course emphasizes using data to improve HR practices and demonstrating the value of HR initiatives for organizational success.
What Can I Do With an HR Degree?
With an HR degree, you can pursue careers like HR specialist, training and development specialist, or HR manager, each offering opportunities for growth and advancement. Careers in this field are expected to remain in high demand over the next decade, with lucrative entry-level salaries and leadership roles often earning six-figure incomes.
Career outlook
- HR Specialist—An entry-level role for those graduating with a bachelor’s degree, HR specialists focus on specific areas of human resources, such as recruitment, training, employee relations, or benefits administration.
- Median annual salary: $67,650
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 78,700
- Training and Development Specialist—These professionals design and deliver educational programs to improve employees’ skills and ensure they meet organizational standards. Another entry-level position, this role is ideal for recent graduates and is needed in virtually every industry.
- Median annual salary: $64,340
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 35,400
- Human Resources Manager — An HR manager oversees the entire human resources department, developing and implementing policies, managing employee relations, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. This role typically requires significant work experience or a master’s degree.
- Median annual salary: $136,250
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 5%
- New jobs projected: 15,500
Fast Online HR Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do accelerated degree programs work?
Accelerated degree programs offer the same high-quality curriculum as traditional programs but are delivered faster, allowing students to complete their degrees in a shorter time. These programs are ideal for motivated individuals who can handle a significant workload, but they may not be suitable for everyone due to their demanding nature.
To help you decide if an accelerated program is right for you, visit our page that breaks down the pros and cons.
How long does it take to earn a fast online HR degree?
Earning an online HR degree takes about three years for an accelerated bachelor’s program, compared to the traditional four-year timeline. For a master’s degree, accelerated programs can be completed in 12 to 18 months, whereas conventional programs usually take two years.
Evaluating credit requirements for master’s programs is essential, as they can vary and significantly impact our completion timeline.
How much does a fast online HR degree cost?
The average annual cost of tuition is $14,688 for undergraduate degrees and $20,513 for graduate degrees. While some accelerated online programs may be more affordable than their traditional counterparts, this isn’t always the case. It’s best to consult with a financial aid counselor at your institution to get a more accurate cost estimate and explore available financial aid options.